BOULDER — “It Happens Every Spring” is the name of a 1949 movie comedy but it could apply to Colorado sophomore tailback Josh Ford.

The former Mullen standout (5-9, 205) stole the show for the second straight CU spring game, this time running for 141 yards on just eight carries Saturday night at Folsom Field. Ford also scored twice, including a 43-yarder.

Sophomore Tony Jones (5-7, 185), who is projected as the 2012 starter at tailback to fill the shoes of four-year starter Rodney Stewart, was purposely limited to four carries. He netted 23 yards.

“I just read what the defense gave me,” Ford said afterward. “I just came out here to finish (the spring) strong. Speedy (Rodney Stewart) was a great running back. It’s in the hands of me and Tony (Jones). We encourage each other.”

Playing in a bowl game has united the team, Ford said. Colorado, 3-10 last fall in the first season under coach Jon Embree, has not played in a bowl game since losing to Alabama in the 2007 Independence Bowl.

“Last year, sitting at home (during the holidays), I don’t want to disrespect anyone,” Ford said, “but some of the teams playing in bowl games, I’d never heard of those schools. We’re the University of Colorado. We have to get that swagger back.”

Sophomore quarterback Connor Wood, a transfer from Texas who was playing in his first game-like conditions since a January 2010 high school all-star game, looked sharp. The 6-3, 235-pounder completed 7-of-10 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns.

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.